What are the symptoms of depression?
o feeling down or irritable most of the time (for what may seem like no reason)
o lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
o an inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure
o feeling guilty, bad or worthless
o change in appetite or weight (either an increase or a decrease) tiredness or lack of energy
o sleeping problems (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get up in the morning)
o difficulty concentrating or making decisions
o avoiding friends, family or regular activities
o difficulty coping with study or work
o thoughts of death or suicide.
o not caring about anything in the present or future.
When a person has depression, the world looks bleak, and the person’s thoughts reflect the hopelessness and helplessness they feel. People with depression tend to have negative and self-critical thoughts. Sometimes, despite their true value, people with depression can feel worthless and unlovable.
Depression can cloud everything, making even small problems seem overwhelming. People who are depressed can’t see a bright future ahead and feel powerless to change things for the better. They may feel like giving up. They may cry at small things or cry for no apparent reason at all.
Because of their deep feelings of sadness and their low energy, people with depression sometimes pull away from people around them or from activities they once enjoyed. This only causes them to feel more lonely and isolated, making the depression worse.
Depression can be mild or severe. At its worst, depression can create such feelings of despair that a person thinks about suicide.
Depression can cause physical symptoms, too. Some people have an upset stomach, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, headaches, and sleeping problems when they’re depressed.
What do I do if I think I am depressed?
Young people who are depressed shouldn’t wait and hope it will go away on its own because depression can be effectively treated. Friends or others need to step in if someone seems severely depressed and isn’t getting help. Many young people find that opening up to SOMEONE THEY TRUST by saying, "I’ve been feeling really down lately and I think I’m depressed," can be a good way to open the discussion. Ask that person to arrange an appointment with a mental health professional or GP.
People who are extremely depressed and who may be thinking about hurting themselves or about suicide need help as soon as possible.
o feeling down or irritable most of the time (for what may seem like no reason)
o lack of energy and feeling tired all the time
o an inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure
o feeling guilty, bad or worthless
o change in appetite or weight (either an increase or a decrease) tiredness or lack of energy
o sleeping problems (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get up in the morning)
o difficulty concentrating or making decisions
o avoiding friends, family or regular activities
o difficulty coping with study or work
o thoughts of death or suicide.
o not caring about anything in the present or future.
When a person has depression, the world looks bleak, and the person’s thoughts reflect the hopelessness and helplessness they feel. People with depression tend to have negative and self-critical thoughts. Sometimes, despite their true value, people with depression can feel worthless and unlovable.
Depression can cloud everything, making even small problems seem overwhelming. People who are depressed can’t see a bright future ahead and feel powerless to change things for the better. They may feel like giving up. They may cry at small things or cry for no apparent reason at all.
Because of their deep feelings of sadness and their low energy, people with depression sometimes pull away from people around them or from activities they once enjoyed. This only causes them to feel more lonely and isolated, making the depression worse.
Depression can be mild or severe. At its worst, depression can create such feelings of despair that a person thinks about suicide.
Depression can cause physical symptoms, too. Some people have an upset stomach, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, headaches, and sleeping problems when they’re depressed.
What do I do if I think I am depressed?
Young people who are depressed shouldn’t wait and hope it will go away on its own because depression can be effectively treated. Friends or others need to step in if someone seems severely depressed and isn’t getting help. Many young people find that opening up to SOMEONE THEY TRUST by saying, "I’ve been feeling really down lately and I think I’m depressed," can be a good way to open the discussion. Ask that person to arrange an appointment with a mental health professional or GP.
People who are extremely depressed and who may be thinking about hurting themselves or about suicide need help as soon as possible.
